Prior to initiating treatment by a doctor of naturopathy each patient must read and sign a disclosure statement containing the following information:

(1)  Rhode Island does not recognize doctors of naturopathy as primary-care providers and a doctor of naturopathy is not responsible for the overall medical care of any patient.

(2)  Naturopathic care is intended only as an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, medical care from a physician, physician assistant (PA), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), and doctors of naturopathy shall coordinate patient care with physicians and other healthcare providers.

(3)  Patients are urged to have a primary-care provider and to have all specialty care provided by a properly credentialed physician specialist.

(4)  Doctors of naturopathy are not licensed to prescribe drugs or to advise patients regarding prescription drugs beyond possible dietary supplement/herb — prescription drug interactions. All questions regarding prescription medications should be directed to the prescriber or to the patient’s primary-care provider or licensed registered pharmacist.